Strong response expected for junior championship
12th June, Singapore: The fifth edition of the immensely popular Singapore Sports School-Opulent International Bowling Championship which is expected to draw a strong response from neighbouring countries, will kick off on Monday, June 13. A new division, Under-14 has been introduced this year in addition to the Under-18, which will undoubtedly attract participants to well over 120 youths from neighbouring countries converging at the Singapore Sports School.
A total of about 72 youths under the age of 14 divided into three squads of 24 each, will take to the lanes for their first block of 6 games tomorrow and another 6 games on Tuesday, June 14.
Youth girls competing with the boys will be given a handicap of 8 pins. The top 18 at the end of the two blocks will advance to the Masters finals for another 12 games. The top 3 will proceed to the stepladder finals.
Another 90 youths under the age of 18 again divided into three squads of 30 each, will commence their first block of 6 games on Thursday, June 16, second block on June 17 and the final block on June 18.
Youth girls will also be given 8 pins handicap. The top 24, comprising of 8 from the local pool, 8 from the overseas pool and 8 from the mixed pool at the end of 18 games will advance to the Masters finals over 12 games. The top 3 after the Masters finals will proceed to the stepladder finals.The 12-lane centre at Singapore Sports School is very unique. It has four Brunswick synthetic lanes, four AMF synthetic lanes and four wood lanes offering bowlers varying lane types.
The competition will also be dressed on both long, medium and short oil patterns. This offers a very challenging condition for the youths during both their qualifying rounds and Masters finals.
Special videos has been sent to most of the countries that the organisers have invited to, show ball reactions based on different lane patterns on different lane types. This is to facilitate the bowlers to know what type of bowling balls they need to bring for the competition.
"The Singapore Sports School Under-18 International was first organised mainly to bring talented youth bowlers to compete with our local talent," said Mr Mike Lam, organising chairman.
The 5th Singapore Sports School-Opulent International Bowling Championship is held in the School’s Bowling Centre from 13 to 19 June 2011. Participants from Australia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Dragon Bowling Club, Malaysia (various states and bowling centers) and the Philippines are vying for the Under 14 title (13 to 15 June) with the top prize worth $1,000 and the Under 18 championship (15 to 19 June) with the top prize of $5,000.
The championship is made possible with Platinum sponsor (Opulent), Gold sponsors (ABS Bowling, Raffles College of Design & Commerce, Beverly Hills Polo Club, DMG & Partners Securities, Lira Homes, Sincere Fine Watches, SongHe Fragrant Rice, and Parents).
Daily coverage fo the championships will be featured here together with video interviews of the squads and daily leaders for each division.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.